Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax MX-1

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax MX-1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the ZS20 (14MP) and the MX-1 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the ZS20 (1/2.3") and MX-1 (1/1.7") posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS20 was brought out 14 months earlier than the MX-1 which makes them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the ZS20 scores versus the MX-1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 & Pentax MX-1. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery & Pentax MX-1 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS20 has got external measurements of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) while the Pentax MX-1 has specifications of 122mm x 61mm x 51mm (4.8" x 2.4" x 2.0") having a weight of 391 grams (0.86 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax MX-1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the ZS20 vs the MX-1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS20 and MX-1 is 92 and 84 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by checking a spec sheet. The image below should provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS20 and MX-1.

Clearly, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZS20 due to its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Panasonic ZS20 will give greater detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs way more aggressively. The more aged ZS20 is going to be behind in sensor technology.